Where to go in Kyiv on the weekend of May 23-24

May weekends in Kyiv promise to be packed with cultural events, concerts, and atmospheric walks. UNN has compiled a top-8 list of the most interesting events worth visiting on May 23-24 in the capital.

Peony, chestnut, and lilac season at the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine

Date: daily, 08:30–21:00

Location: Mykola Gryshko National Botanical Garden

Price: 150 UAH for adults, 100 UAH for schoolchildren, students, and retirees

The M.M. Gryshko Botanical Garden is currently experiencing one of the most beautiful periods of this spring – lilacs, chestnuts, and peonies are blooming simultaneously. The garden's territory has transformed into a vast space for walks, photo shoots, and relaxation among flowers. It is especially crowded now near the lilac alleys, which annually become one of the capital's main spring locations. At the same time, peonies are actively blooming in various parts of the botanical garden, and chestnuts add a traditional Kyiv mood to the city. You can come here for a few hours or spend almost the entire day walking between different thematic zones. The location is suitable for both quiet family vacations and those who just want to be in nature without leaving the city. Thanks to the large territory, even on weekends, you can find quiet spots to rest.

"The Most Beautiful Music from Cinema"

Date and time: May 24, 19:00

Location: Toronto-Kyiv Complex

Price: to be specified by organizers

The summer terrace of the Toronto-Kyiv Complex in the center of Kyiv will host the concert "The Most Beautiful Music from Cinema." An evening of soundtracks from cult films that have long been recognizable worldwide has been prepared for guests. Melodies from "Titanic," "Amélie," "La La Land," "The Great Gatsby," and other popular films will be performed on stage. Organizers promise a new sound for familiar compositions performed by Svitlo Orchestra musicians. A special atmosphere will be created by the location itself, as the concert will take place on an open terrace overlooking St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church. This format is suitable for a romantic evening or a quiet rest after a busy week. The event is designed for both cinema connoisseurs and lovers of live music.

Exhibition "Chernobyl. Shelter Object"

Date: the exhibition will run until June 7

Time: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00–19:00

Location: Ukrainian House

Price: 90–180 UAH

The Ukrainian House has opened an exhibition project titled "Chernobyl. Shelter Object," dedicated to reimagining the theme of Chernobyl through art and history. The exposition combines documentary materials, artworks, and archival elements related to the Exclusion Zone. At the exhibition, you can see works by Ukrainian artists, photographs of liquidators, and sketches of iconic objects in Pripyat. Special attention is paid to the Chernobyl Polissya region and its history before the Chornobyl NPP accident. The exhibition space is designed so that the visitor not only looks at the exhibits but also gradually immerses themselves in the atmosphere of the theme. The event will be of interest to both fans of contemporary art and those interested in the history of Ukraine.

Microbe Museum "Mysterious World"

Date: until September 13, 2026

Location: VDNG

Price: 200 UAH

An unusual interactive museum of microorganisms called "Mysterious World" is operating at VDNG. This is the first museum of its kind in Ukraine, where visitors are shown living microorganisms through special microscopes. The organizers have combined elements of a scientific exhibition, a laboratory, and an educational space for children and adults. During the visit, you can learn how microorganisms affect human life and what processes they participate in every day. The museum tells about bacteria, their habitat, and their role in creating products, medicines, and even technologies. The event format is primarily designed for a family audience and children from five years old. At the same time, the museum may also be interesting for adults who want to spend their weekend in an unusual way and see science in a more interactive format.

Art Retreat "Return to Self"

Date: until September 13

Location: MODI Art&Wine Gallery

Price: 500 UAH

An art retreat titled "Return to Self," dedicated to creative relaxation and emotional reboot, will take place in the center of the capital. The event is organized in the format of a leisurely meeting for people who want to disconnect from the daily rhythm of the city. Participants will be offered art practices, work with metaphorical cards, and creative work with their own emotions through colors and shapes. The organizers emphasize that this is not a classic drawing masterclass, so no special skills are required. The space is created for quiet rest, reflection, and communication in a small company. All materials for creativity will be provided on-site, and part of the ticket price includes a deposit for drinks and treats. The event will be held at the MODI Art&Wine Gallery, known for its intimate atmosphere and creative events.

ITS MY LIFE – Hits of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s

Date and time: May 23, starting at 17:00

Location: Feels Garden

Price: 500–1300 UAH

At VDNG in Feels Garden, a large musical evening featuring hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s will be held. Organizers promise the atmosphere of a large-scale disco with dancing, a light show, and the live energy of an outdoor venue. Popular compositions that were once the main hits of parties and clubs will be played for the guests. A ballet will also perform on stage, complementing the show with bright productions. The event is designed for those who want to spend the evening actively, dance, and remember the music of their youth. Feels Garden has hosted similar themed evenings before, which gather a large number of guests. Organizers advise coming in groups, as the event format is maximally oriented toward shared relaxation and a dancing mood.

Play "The Return of the Prodigal Father"

Date: May 24

Location: Freedom Hall

Price: 250–1290 UAH

Freedom Hall will host one of the most popular comedies on the Kyiv stage – "The Return of the Prodigal Father." The events of the play unfold in 1970s Kyiv around a family where a man who once left home and disappeared for many years suddenly reappears. The story gradually turns into a combination of comedy, family drama, and detective story. The production was created based on a play by Ukrainian host and showman Ilya Noyabryov, who also directed the play. The plot features many recognizable life situations, humor, and nostalgia for old Kyiv. Organizers promise a dynamic performance with unexpected plot twists and emotional scenes. The play is performed in Ukrainian and consists of two acts.

Interactive Route-Quest "2024 Kilometers" on Trukhaniv Island

Date: the route is open daily

Location: Trukhaniv Island

Price: free admission

A new interactive route-quest based on the book "2024 Kilometers" has opened on Trukhaniv Island in Kyiv. The project is dedicated to Ukrainian intelligence officers who in 2023 carried out a 680 km raid deep into enemy territory and conducted one of the most famous operations of the DIU of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, destroying a Russian strategic aviation aircraft at the "Soltsy" airfield. The start of the route is located near the Park Bridge, with a total length of 2024 meters. Along the path, 5 thematic installations have been set up, each telling a separate part of the story and introducing visitors to the work of intelligence officers. The project's authors emphasize that the route was created not only as a new location for walks but also as a space of memory for the Ukrainian military. While completing the quest, visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the operation and learn more about the decisions and challenges faced by the scouts.